Democrats there have consistently scored ahead of Republicans in the last three gubernatorial contests.

Democrats scored political points on several amendments.

But the Democrats scored higher on almost all the other attributes, especially in the area of empathy and reciprocity, Ms. Pines said.

Democrats scored better; 56 percent said they had a positive view of the party and 37 percent had a negative view.

Party strategists say Democrats can still score points if they make known the details of the House plan in particular.

Several political professionals who have followed the campaign predict that Democrats will score their biggest inroads at Town Hall in three decades.

There is a consensus that Democrats will score a big gain in governorships.

By refusing to be bullied into false bipartisanship on Social Security, Democrats have already scored a significant tactical victory.

November 4: In a deep economic recession the Democrats score a landslide victory, defeating many old-guard conservative Republicans.

Senator Lott said he had simply refused to allow Democrats to score political points on the issue.